pmbpmb

I would not normally post but could not find similar information in this forum (forgive me if the below is common knowledge but I found it helpful).

My 2002 Ambiente 1.9 Tdi refused to start this morning.
Symptoms - starter/battery were ok, but the engine would not 'catch', perhaps for about 1 second if lucky. (Another post made reference to a 'sewing machine' noise - good description).

The very helpful breakdown guy showed me how to open the 'anti shudder valve' which was apparently stuck.

This link shows exactly what to do:

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=128812

It's dead simple - there are lots of picures - it even looked exactly like the inside of my car.

Obviously, working the lever with your finger is not a long-term solution but it might avoid you having to call out the breakdown guy, and give you the chance to get the problem fixed in your own time. Anyway, I hope it's useful.

Some queries though:
- I don't fancy fixing this myself, and after paying £600 to the dealer for my last service (60,000 mi) I was hoping to get a local garage to fit a new valve. Would they be able to do this? Is there anywhere I could get a part/price?

- I did notice that after the aforementioned service (end of Dec 2006), the car didn't start quite so 'easily' as it did before. Previously it always started first time but over the weeks since Dec it has slooooooowly got a bit more sluggish, sometimes taking more than one turn. Anyway, a new coolant temp sensor was fitted (separate issue, dashboard needle stayed at zero) as part of the service (about £100 inc labour, in case you're interested) . Could this new sensor be contributing to the problem - are the two systems connected? I'd like to think not, but if it's something I can take to the dealer...

pmbpmb

For reference, dealer charged £88 to 'remove, clean + refit throttle body'...
Car much more willing to start now, will see how long it lasts!